SONABEL, the power utility company of Burkina Faso says it will begin the spillage of water from the Bagre Dam today, Monday, August 19, 2024 according to a report by graphiconline.
A statement signed and copied to the Ghana News Agency by the White Volta Basin Secretariat of the Water Resources Commission, said the update from SONABEL indicates that the current water level of the dam was 232.8 metres and keeps rising.
The spillage is expected to cause the White Volta River in Ghana to overflow its banks and occupy its normal flood plains, the statement added. The statement, therefore, advised residents especially those residing and working along the banks of the White Volta River to take precautionary measures to avoid being adversely affected by the spillage.
“This is to inform you of your further action relating to flood management. We will furnish you with additional information on this matter as this becomes available to us,” it stressed.
The Chronicle would like to commend the White Volta Basin Secretariat of the Water Resources Commission for their proactive communication. By serving prior notice, theyhave demonstrated a commendable commitment to transparency and public safety, allowing residents in the affected areas, particularly those along the banks of the White Volta River to take necessary precautions.
The spillage, expected to cause the White Volta River in Ghana to overflow its banks and occupy its normal flood plains, poses a significant risk to the lives and properties of those residing in these vulnerable areas. The importance of early warning systems cannot be overstated in such situations.
The advance notice provided by SONABEL, along with the timely update from the White Volta Basin Secretariat of the Water Resources Commission, plays a crucial role in keeping people on their toes, encouraging them to relocate to higher ground and take other precautionary measures to safeguard their lives and belongings.
However, while we acknowledge the importance of these warnings, it is equally vital to address the broader implications of the spillage on the communities along the White Volta River. The annual nature of this event necessitates a comprehensive and long-term approach to mitigate the impact on those most at risk.
First and foremost, we urge the relevant authorities to ensure that adequate measures are in place to support residents who may be adversely affected by the spillage. This includes providing temporary shelters, emergency relief supplies and medical assistance to those displaced by the flooding. Additionally, there should be a concerted effort to assess the damage to properties and provide compensation or assistance to rebuild homes and livelihoods.
Particular attention must be given to the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, women and persons with disabilities, who may require additional support during such emergencies.
While immediate relief efforts are essential, they are not enough. The recurring nature of the Bagre Dam spillage demands a long-term solution that goes beyond annual emergency responses. We call on the government, in partnership with regional and international stakeholders, to explore sustainable strategies for flood management in the White Volta Basin.
One potential approach is the construction of flood control infrastructure to regulate the flow of the spillage. Such infrastructure could help prevent the White Volta River from overflowing its banks, thereby reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding communities.
It is time for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to flood management that goes beyond crisis response. By investing in infrastructure, enforcing land use regulations and fostering regional collaboration, we can ensure that the Bagre Dam spillage becomes a manageable event rather than a yearly disaster.
